I'm so excited to share with you today the space of one of my favorite handmade creators, Betsy from the foundling! I've long been a fan of Betsy's work and it was a best seller in my now closed Modish shoppe... I always imagined the place where Betsy created her goods, made from reclaimed materials, to be one filled with found treasures and vintage delights, and well, I was right! Let's take a peek and see where she creates her magic!
What do you create in this space?
I make jewelry inspired by an ethic of reuse and a love for all things old. I also use the space for my sewing, collage or painting projects.
Where is it located?
The studio is in an old, refurbished warehouse in the River Arts District here in Asheville, NC. It's a great little neighborhood with lots of other artist's studios, restaurants, a brewery and a place to hear live music.
What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
I use some typical metalsmithing tools, like a saw, hammers, a torch, lots of different pliers. Because my work combines several disciplines I also have the things I need to work with paper and fabric. It's almost like having three different studios smashed into one.
What inspirations do you keep nearby?
I love the materials I use in my work so I keep them out where I can see them. The piles of fabric and rows of old books make my fingers itch a little. A quilt top pieced by my great-grandmother, a rusty yellow auto parts display and stacks of tarnished silver serving pieces are all out for me to see every day, as well.
What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?
I like to have something playing while I'm working, but there's no telling what it will be. Lately I've been excited about country music from the 70s and early 80s, the blues hour on my local NPR station, and an Arcade Fire album I can't stop listening to.
You can see all the beauuuutiful jewelry and accessories that Betsy creates here on the foundling website and in the foundling etsy shop. And psst: head over to the jewelry section of the Modish Marketplace to find out how you can get 20% off your foundling order!
